Car rental companies offer many options and fees when renting a car. One of these fees is the additional driver fee, which allows a second person to drive the rental car. This fee is a common occurrence when traveling with family or friends, but it can be confusing and frustrating for renters who are not familiar with the process. In this blog post, we will examine the thrifty car rental additional driver fee, what it is, why it is charged, and how to avoid it.
What is an Additional Driver Fee?
An additional driver fee is a charge that rental car companies impose when a second person will be driving the rental car. This fee is usually a daily or weekly charge that covers the cost of insuring the second driver. The fee can range from $5 to $15 per day, depending on the rental car company and the location of the rental.
Why is the Additional Driver Fee Charged?
The main reason that rental car companies charge an additional driver fee is to cover the cost of insuring the second driver. The rental car company must ensure that all drivers who operate the rental car are covered under the rental car insurance policy. If a second driver is not listed on the rental agreement, they may not be covered under the insurance policy, which could result in significant financial consequences if an accident occurs.
Another reason that rental car companies charge an additional driver fee is to reduce the number of drivers who operate the rental car. When only one driver is listed on the rental agreement, the rental car company can more easily track and monitor the driver’s behavior, including the number of miles driven, fuel consumption, and any damage to the rental car.
How to Avoid the Additional Driver Fee
One way to avoid the additional driver fee is to have only one driver listed on the rental agreement. This can be especially beneficial for travelers who will be driving the rental car for the entire trip. If the rental car company only has one driver listed on the rental agreement, they will be able to track and monitor the driver’s behavior more easily, which can result in lower fees and a more hassle-free rental experience.
Another way to avoid the additional driver fee is to rent a car that has a second driver included in the rental rate. Some rental car companies offer packages that include a second driver, which can save travelers money on additional driver fees. Additionally, some rental car companies may offer discounts or promotions that include a second driver in the rental rate, so it is important to check for these deals before renting a car.
Lastly, it is possible to negotiate the additional driver fee with the rental car company. If you are traveling with family or friends, and you need a second driver, you may be able to negotiate a lower fee with the rental car company. This can be especially effective if you are renting a car for an extended period of time, as rental car companies may be more willing to negotiate a lower fee for longer rentals.
The thrifty car rental additional driver fee is a charge that rental car companies impose when a second person will be driving the rental car. This fee is necessary to cover the cost of insuring the second driver, and to reduce the number of drivers who operate the rental car. However, there are ways to avoid the additional driver fee, including having only one driver listed on the rental agreement, renting a car that has a second driver included in the rental rate, and negotiating a lower fee with the rental car company.